Former West Indies cricket captain Sir Clive Lloyd is urging the replacement West Indies cricketers on the tour of Bangladesh to show that they are not second-class cricketers, to make the best use of their opportunity and help restore glory to West Indies cricket.
Some 10 West Indies cricketers including test skipper Jason Holder have opted out of the tour.
Lloyd said that he decided to send a message to the replacement players to help motivate them and also because there is some similarity to the way he was selected.
“I thought that I would send you this message as I’m aware that you’re embarking on a tour which you probably weren’t prepared for and perhaps you feel like you’ve been thrown in the deep end and that people expect you to stand and deliver,” the former two-time World Cup (limited overs) captain stated.
According to Lloyd the players have a chance of cementing a permanent place in the West Indies team as opposed to merely filling a gap.
“You have been chosen on merit.
This is your destiny. It is your opportunity to fulfill it. This is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate your talents and skills to the world and prove to all and sundry that you’re not second class cricketers,” Lloyd exhorted.
Lloyd said his test career started in similar fashion after he was overlooked for selection but benefited from injury to a player and was subsequently selected.
“In 1966 I was not selected in the original Test team. Fortuitously, Seymour Nurse got injured and 45 minutes before the First Test I was informed that I was playing and I played 35 straight Test matches because I performed well.
We won the Series. You see I recognized there was an opportunity to demonstrate my talent and capabilities and I seized it with both hands.
“You can step up to the plate,” said Lloyd, whose sobriquet `Super Cat’ was earned because of his superlative fielding skills.
Lloyd also sought to remind the players of the honor of representing the West Indies.
“Moreover, playing for the West Indies is one of the highest honors a citizen of the region can achieve. I believed it then and I believe it now,” he said.
“The world is your oyster. This is your opportunity to prove yourself worthy of your selection and you should be proud to wear that West Indies blazer and cap. You are representing one of the best cricketing nations which possesses an enviable record of which we are very proud,” said Lloyd.
Going some 29 test matches without losing and playing for 17 years straight without losing a test match, along with 11 consecutive test match wins are just some of the exploits and achievements of past West Indies team, Lloyd reminded.
“It took hard work, commitment and a sense of purpose to realise them. Above all I would advise that you play close attention to your levels of fitness and seek at all times whether as a batsman or a bowler to refine your techniques and skills. My team did it and I am confident you can too, said Lloyd.
Lloyd also sought to inspire the cricketers to begin the quest of improving t6he regional team’s test rankings.
“You now have the opportunity to improve our Test match rating and instill some pride again in the standard of our cricket.
“This is not just my expectation but that also of the entire Caribbean region. Your victory would be theirs also.
Lloyd said although the trip might appear daunting the task is not impossible.
“Your trip to Bangladesh might look daunting but this task is not insurmountable. It is the ideal opportunity. With your determination, professionalism, youth and tenacity you can begin the dawn of a new era under the captaincy of the very astute Kraigg Braithwaite. Again, what I am saying to you is not idle speculation. It is based on my own experience. When I took over the West Indies cricket team we had had lost more than 20 Test matches on a trot and there was a clear need for rebuilding and a re-purposing of the team. I also had a number of untried players, as many of you might be. But my team did not flinch from the challenge and we eventually emerged on top. I am confident you can begin the necessary rebuilding of the West Indies team. We did it because we believed in ourselves. You can too. Self-belief is the first step to success.
He urged the players to work hard to achive their goals.
“I would like you to remember this adage: ‘in order to gain altitude, you must have the right attitude’. A positive mental attitude will see you through many tight situations which I’m sure you will encounter during this Tour.
“Lastly, success comes before work only in the Dictionary. I wish you the best of luck. Please remember most people are judged by the obstacles they overcome.”
